I was invited to go on my first bear hunt early last month and was lucky enough to take a beautiful bear with my bow.

I want to get the bear mounted but am not sure exactly how I want it done yet. I'm currently leaning towards a 1/2 body or shoulder mount without the typical snarl pose, I prefer the natural look.

Anyone willing to share pictures of their mounts to give me ideas? Also, any suggestions on a taxidermist in North Dakota or one of the surrounding areas that has experience with mounting bears that you would recommend?

Great bear , congratulations! My taxidermist and my wife talked me into getting a full body mount for my bear from last season . Just under 400lbs , 21" skull. Really glad I did ! If it's a matter of expense, have it tanned and then save up the cash for full mount. I'm not a big fan of the snarling mouth thing either.

I think lifesize bears should be reserved for the biggest of bears..... I know of more than one guy who had a lifesize mount done on a medium sized bear that were very disappointed..... I would get a rug done on your bear... but that’s just me... That’s a tank Hammer !!!

My humble two cents....for your first bear of that size, I would recommend a rug. As BB noted above, if you keep bear hunting you will eventually get a biggun. My first was a rug. My second was a big one at 340lbs and I got a full body mount thinking I would never get a bigger one. Well.....the bear Gods were with me last year and I got one a heck of alot bigger but didn't want two full body mounts of blacks. I was hoping to get a color full body mount but that will be for another hunt. I have the real big one tanned and if I ever change my mind I can go back and do a full body on him.

Depends on your space and where you are going to put it. Habitats or bases take up a lot of space. Shoulder or 1/2 mounts are fine but make a bear look smaller. 3/4 uprights show off more of the bear almost in a vertical look which can show off that nice white crescent on his chest. The arms would be more natural in a hanging position with mouth closed. As if he just stood up to wind something.

I also am not a "snarl" pose guy. Most bears are shot with popcorn...jelly and donut glaze on their face than in "attack mode"....lol